We opted for a desert getaway experience this Spring to Tucson, Arizona and were immediately inspired by the saguaro cacti dotting the landscape and of course, the Senoran cuisine. The dry desert air gave way to a flourishing food scene inspired by the Senoran Desert including prickly pear cactus, squash, mesquite and chilis!

WHERE TO EAT -

• BOCA Tacos and Tequila - After catching Chef Maria Mazon’s feature on Top Chef’s season 18, we knew we had to visit BOCA! This downtown Tucson taco hot spot is perfect for lunch and/or happy hour! The house made selection of rotating daily salsas will by themselves leave you wanting more. We highly recommend a sampling of tacos and be sure to order the Elote to start. The expertly char grilled corn was perfectly prepared!

• Buendia - This new brunch cafe brings all the joyful and colorful vibes drawing on inspiration from their Sonora, Mexico roots. Hands down our favorite dish of the trip was their signature Poblano Pepper stuffed with Corn Tamale and Cheese - WOW!! This is seriously a must try. Fun fact - each table has a salt shaker filled with colorful pom poms labeled “alegria” which translates to “JOY” in English with the intention of sprinkling joy!

• Tacqueria Pico de Gallo - This local favorite is a hidden gem that delivers incredibly authentic cuisine that you won’t soon forget. They’ve been around for 30+ years and do food so well! We enjoyed a sampling of tacos but our favorite might have been the cheese quesadilla on perfectly flattened corn tortillas.

• Tanias 33 - Another hidden gem that has been serving authentic local cuisine for 30+ years, we loved the cactus burrito and combo plates here. This no frills, vegan forward local favorite was a delicious spot for lunch though we would love to return to try the breakfast menu!

• Seis Kitchen - This fun and hip counter service spot gets our pick for best happy hour! With 3 locations around Tucson, we visited their spot in Oro Valley and enjoyed tacos and nachos with house margaritas at a great deal! Sitting on their patio was lovely. Check them out for happy hour Mon-Fri from 3-6pm.

• Barrio Brewing - This Tucson classic is also Arizona’s oldest brewery and was such a fun spot to grab drinks. Their expansive casual space was awesome for a few beers. We sat outside and enjoyed their hazy IPA and jefeweizen pours. While we didn’t check them out for happy hour, we heard they have a pretty great one too!

WHAT TO SEE -

• Tucson Botanical Gardens - This urban garden escape brings the desert’s flora and fauna on full display. We loved the butterfly exhibit and learning more about the natural landscape.

• San Xavier Del Bac Mission - Head south and visit this beautiful mission on the Tohono O'odham reservation. The architecture alone is truly stunning!

• Downtown Exploring, 4th Avenue - While we were in town, we were lucky to hit the art show here. This hip downtown area is full of eateries, breweries and shops.

WHERE TO STAY -

• We stayed north of Tucson, in Marana, at the Ritz Carlton - Dove Mountain and cannot recommend this beautiful and secluded resort enough!

  • Book a day at the spa for complete relaxation and pampering. Their facilities include an outdoor pool only for spa guests and dedicated steam room, sauna and plunge pool facilities.

  • Spend an afternoon poolside with a cocktail in hand! Pro tip - do not miss out on the water slide. It’s twist and turns will shoot you out at lightning speed and boy was it fun!!

  • The resort backs up to numerous gorgeous hiking trails. We loved exploring the trails and getting a good workout in. Be cautious of wildlife though. With the expertise of a resort ranger, we were able to see a gila monster - WOW!

  • The resort has its own citrus tree grove. Grab a cup of coffee to go and enjoy your breakfast amongst the picnic tables in the grove. The smell that filled the air was so refreshing!

  • Your daily resort fee includes complimentary fitness classes each morning in the gym. We enjoyed flow yoga and meditation classes that were the perfect way to start the day. Also included in the resort fee are bike rentals, tennis court time, and driving range access.

Cheers, friends!